Bernie’s Supporters Threaten Protests

Brian PugleJuly 25

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Brian PugleJuly 25

The controversy over emails emanating from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) continued to dominate the coverage on the first day of the Convention.

On Sunday, the DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her resignation as DNC head effective at the end of the this week’s convention. However, many supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders felt that was not soon enough.

"Democrats on Monday struggled to contain the chaos that threatened to take hold in Philadelphia, as Debbie Wasserman Schultz bowed out of plans to gavel in the Democratic National Convention and restless Bernie Sanders’ supporters lashed out."— Politico

On Monday, plans for Wasserman to open the Convention were canceled out of concern of floor demonstrations. Instead, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, mayor of Baltimore graveled the Convention to order, but peace was far from restored.

Bernie sends tweet asking supporters not to demonstrate

Bernie Sanders took the unusual step of tweeting his followers and asking them not to engage in on-floor demonstrations. "I ask you as a personal courtesy to me to not engage in any kind of protest on the floor. It's of utmost importance you explain this to your delegations — Bernie." However, it was unclear if Bernie would be able to contain the anger of his supporters over what they feel is evidence of a rigged primary process.

Until this weekend, all signs pointed to an orderly gathering in Philadelphia that would highlight Democrat Party unity in sharp contrast the infighting within the GOP. However, all that is threatened if the supporters of Bernie Sanders cannot be satisfied that they will have a real voice at the Convention.

Hillary names Wasserman honorary chair

In an announcement that many found puzzling, Hillary Clinton on Sunday named Debbie Wasserman-Schultz as an honorary chair of her campaign. Coming on the heels of the release of emails that appeared to show the DNC favoring Clinton over Sanders during the primaries, Hillary’s announcement seemed to some to be “tone-deaf,” and a misstep by the Clinton camp that may be underestimating the outrage that many supporters of Bernie Sanders are feeling today.